Action of the School Board Action of the School Board 08/26/2019

ACTION SCHOOL BOARD
OF
THE
MEETING RECAP
Tom Heidemann
Board Chair
Tom Heidemann
Marci Anderson
Vice Chair
Marci Anderson
I
ISSUE 46, VOL. 11
Bill Harvey
Treasurer
Bill Harvey
Jeff Simon
Clerk
Jeff Simon
I
8/26/19
William Fields
Director
Nicole Hayes
Nicole Hayes
Director
Anna Dirkswager
Chair Heidemann called the meeting the order and invited members of the audience to join the school board in the Pledge
of Allegiance.
Communications, delegations and petitions
The School Board did not receive any testimony from the community.
Community and government relations
Appointment of election judges
The School Board unanimously approved a resolution appointing election judges for the school district general election
to be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Anoka-Hennepin has a joint-powers agreement with Anoka County to manage elections on
behalf of the district.
Elementary and secondary education
Equity Achievement Plan, second reading
The Anoka-Hennepin School Board approved a districtwide Equity Achievement Plan that aims to improve outcomes
for all students, with key strategies to eliminate predictable achievement gaps between student groups. A 25-member
committee gathered data, formed key priorities and an action plan for the three year plan. The plan includes three
proposed equity domains - school climate, student engagement and instruction and assessment - and eight action steps.
The School Board approved on a unanimous vote
Communication and public relations
2019 community survey
Anoka-Hennepin has conducted an annual survey with Morris Leatherman for over 15 years. This level of commitment
for feedback allows the School Board to track data over time, and monitor trends in the community, and adjust district
operations to meet community expectations. Peter Leatherman presented findings and analysis from the 2019
community survey. The survey contacted 500 randomly selected residents from all areas of the district via phone during
the month of May 2019.
Operations
Wellness policy
Anoka-Hennepin schools is committed to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of students and maximizing
their ability to learn. Updates and modifications to Policy 533.5 are recommended periodically from the district’s wellness
committee. The board was asked to consider modifications that limit consumption of carbonated soft-drinks and high
caffeine items such as energy drinks. The revised policy was approved.
Finance
Budget reductions
Michelle Vargas, chief financial officer provided a preliminary projected target of $5 million for budget reductions for the
2020-21 school year and a timeline and process for the board to consider. Vargas recommended that the board wait for
enrollment numbers and preliminary audit numbers before reviewing options for reductions in November and December
prior to approval on Jan. 27, 2020.
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